Time purchase winding means for parking meters

ABSTRACT

A meter construction wherein purchased time is obtained through engagement of pawl means with a winding means attached to a timing mechanism, the pawl means being moved into engaging position by a coin employed for purchasing time. The improvement involves the use of an auxiliary winding arm operatively connected to the winding means. A winding disc is directly tied to the winding means whereby driving engagement of the winding arm with the disc will result in the purchase of time. The winding disc defines teeth which are moved into position after the initial purchase of time so that the subsequent insertion of a coin results in engagement of the pawl directly with the disc for purchase of additional time.

Ilnited States Patent 11 1 Zajac et al.

TIME PURCHASE WINDING MEANS FOR PARKING METERS June 12, 1973 PrimaryExaminer-Robert B. Reeves Assistant Examiner-David A. ScherbelAttorney-McDougall, Hersh & Scott [57] ABSTRACT A meter constructionwherein purchased time is ob- [22] Filed: D C- 13, 19 1 tained throughengagement of pawl means with a wind- [211 App] No 207 355 ing meansattached to a timing mechanism, the pawl H means being moved intoengaging position by a coin employed for purchasing time. Theimprovement in- [52] U.S. Cl. 194.72, l94/DIG, 22 volves the use of anauxiliary winding arm operatively [51] Int. Cl 607C 1/30 connected {0the winding means A winding disc di Field Of Search rectly tied to thewinding means whereby driving enl94/61 gagement of the winding arm withthe disc will result in the purchase of time. The winding disc definesteeth [56] Ref r Ci which are moved into position after the initialpurchase UNITED STATES PATENTS of time so that the subsequent insertionofa coin results 3,506,102 4/1970 Mathison 6131. 194/34 in engagement 0fthe P directly with the disc for 3,160,256 12/1964 Wheelbarger et al.194/72 Purchase of addltional tlme- 2,696,899 12/1954 Trier et all94/DIG. 22 2,603,288 7/1952 Sollenberger 194/1310. 22 18 34 Drawmg f3Z\ '44 J 40 l II 3 3&0 5, 6 l

I I l I 11 M u i J 30/ 6 1 r I p 48 l $1, T 2

PAYENTEDJUH 1 2192s SHEET 3 [IF 6 PAIENIEDJUM 2l973 3' 738' 467 SHEET 5[1F 6 204- I74. u T n r 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 l 1 l 11111111111111111111/111111111111r TIME PURCHASE WINDING MEANS FORPARKING METERS This invention relates to parking meters or similarconstructions which employ mechanisms designed for the purchase of time.

In a typical parking meter construction, coins are inserted in themeter, and an amount of time proportional to the monetary amount ispurchased. The amount of time available on a particular meter can bevaried considerably. For example, on busy streets, it may be desirableto limit time purchases to one hour or some other appropriate shortduration. In lots designed for commuter parking, the meter may bedesigned for purchase of time up to 12 hours or some other period ofsimilar length.

Some meters include an overtime parking feature. Thus a portion of theindicator for the meter provides a means for indicating the amount ofexcess time that a vehicle has used a parking space. The fine imposedcan then be made proportional to the excess time.

In other meter applications, it has been found desirable to provide alarge amount of time for the initial deposit of coins, and to thenprovide lesser amounts for later deposits. In this case, as with theovertime parking indication, it is necessary to provide a windingarrangement wherein the timer is wound a greater amount for the initialdeposit than for a later deposit.

It is a general object of this invention to provide an improved metermechanism including a winding arrangement wherein a greater degree oftimer winding is achieved upon initial insertion of a coin than uponlater insertion.

It is a more specific object of this invention to provide a metermechanism which provides for different degrees of winding of the timerthrough the use of auxiliary winding means which can be incorporated inthe meter while retaining the basis operating principles of the meterwhereby the mechanism can be efficiently manufactured and maintained.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved metermechanism particularly suitable for parking meters of the type having anovertime parking or differential rate parking feature.

These and other objects of this invention will appear hereinafter andfor purposes of illustration, but not of limitation, specificembodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a parking meter construction ofthe type adapted for use with the mechanisms of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating one form of a time setting windingdisc assembly utilized in the construction;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the disc structures taken about thecurved line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the disc structure, as the discstructure appears after setting of time, taken about the curved line 44of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the meter con- FIG. 8 is a frontelevational view of a parking meter construction modified to include analternative version of the invention;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of coins employed with thisalternative form;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view illustrating the time setting windingdisc assembly utilized in the construction of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 12 through 15 comprise plan views illustrating various positionsof the winding disc assembly;

FIG. 16 is a plan view ofa winding ring utilized in the construction;

FIG. 17 is a detailed view illustrating the segment arrangement mountedon the front wall of the meter construction;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the winding disc assembly utilizedin the construction;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the winding discstructure with the auxiliary and main disc portions being separated forclarity;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken about the line 20-20 ofFIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the winding discstructure with the auxiliary and main disc portions being separated forclarity;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken about the line 2222of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the auxiliary discs utilized in theconstruction;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the main winding disc;

FIGS. 25 through 28 are fragmentary, cross-sectional views illustratingthe disc relationship at various stages of the meter operation with theauxiliary and main disc members being separated for clarity;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a modified auxiliary winding disc;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a modified main winding disc employedwith the disc of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is an elevational view illustrating the segment arrangementemployed with the discs of FIGS. 29 and 30;

FIG. 32 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating the assembleddiscs of FIGS. 29 and 30;

FIG. 33 is an additional fragmentary cross-sectional view of theassembled discs; and,

FIG. 34 is an additionalfragmentary cross-sectional view of the discsshown inassociation with a segment and coin.

This invention generally relates to a meter construction providing forthe purchase of time upon insertion of proper coins. The invention isparticularly adapted to meters, such as parking meters, which includepawl means and a winding ring or other mechanism which is attached to aclock structure. When an appropriate coin is inserted, the coin operatesto locate the pawl means for engagement with the winding ring so thatthe winding ring can set the clock mechanism.

In the construction of this invention, the winding ring mechanismcomprises an assembly including a rotatable member preferably in theform of a winding disc and an auxiliary winding arm mounted for movementrelative to the disc. The winding disc is tied to the clock mechanism sothat movement of this disc will set the clock for a period of timeproportional to the amount of movement. Both the disc and auxiliary arminclude teeth which are adapted to be engaged by the pawl means inresponse to the insertion of an appropriate coin into the meter.

The constructions of the invention are designed so that the initialinsertion of a coin will cause the pawl means to engage the auxiliaryarm. This auxiliary arm is initially adapted to impart movement to thewinding disc to thereby set the clock mechanism. This movement of thewinding disc operates to shift the position of the teeth on the windingdisc so that subsequent insertion of a coin will result in directengagement of the pawl means with the teeth of the winding disc. Byemploying the auxiliary arm in the manner to be described, the degree ofmovement of the winding disc upon initial insertion of a coin can besignificantly different than the degree of movement upon subsequentinsertion of a coin. This provides a highly efficient means forconstructing meters having an overtime parking feature, or providingdifferent rates for time purchased. Thus, the meters can be set so thatthe initial insertion of a coin will set the clock mechanism for arelatively long period of operation while the subsequent insertion of acoin will provide a reduced degree of setting of the clock mechanism.The invention will be particularly described with reference to overtimeparking meters; however, it will be obvious that the arrangements areapplicable to other meter designs.

FIGS. 1 and 5 through 7 illustrate a parking meter construction whichcan be modified to include the features of this invention. It will beunderstood that this construction is only one example of the type ofmeter which may include this invention since the concepts describedherein are readily adaptable to a variety of other meter designs.

The meter 1-0 shown in FIG. 1 includes a front panel 12 which carries ahandle 14 adapted to be rotated for the setting of time on the meter.The time set on the meter is recorded on an indicator dial 16 by meansof the pointer 18. Openings 20 are provided on the face of the meter forreceiving coins of different denominations.

The indicator dial 16 includes a first section 17 which provides for anindication of the amount of overtime parking. As will be explained, theinitial insertion of a coin will result in movement of the pointer 18across the entire section 17, and into the purchased time area 19. If,for example, three hours of purchased time is obtained, the clockmechanism will actually be set for hours of operation, the first 3 hoursbeing purchased time, and the remaining clock movement indicating theamount of time that the meter has been used beyond the purchased time.

Behind the front panel 12 there are provided support posts 22 forcarrying a timer mechanism 24. Intermediate the timer mechanism and thefront panel, there are provided the elements which are operated by thehandle 14 for setting the time on the meter. It will be appreciated thatthese elements have been previously employed. A description of theoperation of these elements will be provided herein in only generalterms and reference can be made to U.S. Pat. Nos. l,799,056; 2,070,445and 3,262,540 for a more specific description.

A handle 14 is tied to a shaft 26 whereby rotation of the handle willprovide for rotation of this shaft. Also tied to the shaft on the insideof the front wall is a member 28 which includes a coin carrier 30extending in one direction from the shaft, and an arm 33 extending inthe opposite direction. The coin carrier 30 defines a pair of coin slots32 which are aligned with the openings 20 when the shaft 26 is in itsnormal position. A spring 34 is secured at one end to the panel 12,while the other end is attached at 36 to the member 28 whereby themember is normally at the position shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

A pawl member 38, element 40, and pawl member 42 are pivotally attachedto the member 28 by means of a pivot pin 44. The pawl member 38 includesan end portion which is provided for engagement with the teeth 48 of astationary ratchet 50. Recessed areas are defined on the inner edges ofthe pawl member 38 so that the pawl will not interfere with coinsinserted into the meter. The pawl member 42 includes an engaging endwhich is adapted to engage the teeth of the timer winding members to bedescribed.

As described in the previously mentioned patents, element 40 functionsas a means for controlling the positions of the pawl members during themeter operation. A spring 58 associated wit the element 40 engages thepawls 38 and 42 and normally urges the pawls upwardly relative to theelement 40.

The element 40 is adapted to be engaged by an inserted coin, and thepawls 38 and 42 are adapted to move when the element 40 is so engaged.The element 40 is normally urged downwardly by a compression spring 41which has one end located on the arm 33 while the other end fits arounda protuberance formed in the element 40. When a coin is inserted, theelement 40 is moved upwardly in opposition to the spring 41.

In the meter operation, a coin is inserted and the handle 14 is thenrotated. During this rotation, the pawl member 38 rides over the teeth48, and this pawl member is urged against these teeth by means of spring58. The teeth 48 are designed whereby they will hold the shaft againstreturn movement due to action of the spring 34 as long as the pawl 38 isforced into engagement with these teeth.

As the rotation of the handle continues the coin remains in the coincarrier and it rides on the inner surface 82 of the panel 12. Segments84 and 88 are formed on this inner surface in alignment wit each of thecoin slots. Accordingly, each coin will engage one of these rises duringmovement of the coin carrier, and it will be appreciated that the coinsare forced further into the coin carrier due to this action. Thisfurther movement of a coin will move the element 40 a correspondingdistance to permit movement of the pawl 42 whereby the pawl engagingportion will be in position to engage a tooth of the winding members.Continued rotation of the handle 14 will therefore result incorresponding rotation of the winding member. Depending on the windingmember engaged and the length of the segments 84 and 88, the degree ofrotation of the winding member will determine the time purchased. Beyondthe segments, the coins are released and fall into a collecting meansfor the meter. Once the coins drop, the pawl 38 disengages from theteeth 48 and the coin carrier returns in response to the action ofspring 34.

As indicated, the pawl 42 engages teeth of winding members for purposesof setting time on the meter. The winding members comprise a rotatabledisc defining teeth 102, 104 and 106. The disc 100 is directly tied tothe clock mechanism and, accordingly, setting of time on the meter willonly occur when this disc is rotated.

A rotatable arm 108 is positioned for movement over the surface of thedisc 100, these members being coaxially mounted. One extension 110 ofthe arm includes an up-turned flange defining a pair of teeth 112 and114. When the clock mechanism is completely wound down with theindicator in the position shown in FIG. 1, then the disc 100 and arm 108are in the positions shown in FIG. 2. The disc 100 carries a post 116which engages the edge 118 of the arm 108 when these members are in thisposition.

In accordance with conventional operation, the position of the pawl 42is controlled by the presence of a coin in the coin carrier 30. When acoin of proper denomination is in the coin carrier, the coin is carriedover the surface 82 during rotation of the handle 14. When the coinengages a segment or rides on the surface, it will then drive the pawl42 toward teeth located for engagement by the pawl. In the structure ofthis invention, a first segment 88 is located for engagement by coinsinserted in the outermost slot 20 while a second segment 84 is locatedfor engagement by coins in the inner slot. For purposes of thisdescription, it will be assumed that the outer slot 20 is provided forreceiving a nickel and the inner slot for receiving a penny. It willalso be assumed that the initial insertion of a nickel entitles the userto three hours of time, and the initial insertion of a penny to one hourof time.

With the meter in the position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, theinsertion of a nickel and the rotation of the handle will cause the pawl42 to engage the tooth 112 of arm 108. Thus, the segment 88 drives thecoin and pawl toward the arm just before the pawl passes the tooth 112.

Continued rotation of the handle drives the arm 108 against the post 116for rotation of the winding disc 100. This rotation of the disccontinues until the end 120 of the segment is reached. In the embodimentillustrated, this amounts to the rotation of the disc through 187 W withthe post 116 ending in the dotted line position shown toward the bottomof FIG. 2. When the end of the segment is reached, the coin drops outfor collection which releases the pawl 38 from the ratchet teeth 48 forreturn of the coin carrier to the starting position. The disc 100, ofcourse, begins its return as the clock winds down.

The structure illustrated is set for 1 hour of clock movement for each12 of winding. Accordingly, the 187 movement provides for windingthrough 12 hours of overtime (150) and 3 hours of purchased time (37Additional 3-hour periods of purchased time are then available uponinsertion of additional nickels. This is accomplished by means of theteeth 102, 104 and 106 which have been moved 187 W along with the disc100. This locates the tooth 102 in the position 122 shown at theright-hand side of FIG. 2, and the teeth 104 and 106 are located,respectively, 37 and 75 behind the tooth 122. To accomplish the purchaseof additional time, a second nickel is inserted and, as before, the pawlwill engage the auxiliary arm 108. Thus, this arm will return to theposition shown in FIG. 2 after each operation, and the arm may be springloaded or driven by the coin carrier to accomplish this. Movement of thearm will not, however, result in any time setting since there is noengagement with the post 116.

As the movement continues, the nickel will reach an additional segment124 which is formed over the segment 88. This drives the pawl 42 furthertoward the disc and into engagement with the tooth 102. The distancefrom this point of engagement to the end of the segments is 37 4resulting in the purchase of three additional hours. The winding of thedisc 100 results in movement of tooth 104 into the position 122 wherebythree more hours can be purchased, and in such case, the tooth 106 willbe driven to the position 122 for the purchase of 3 additional hours.

It will be appreciated that the combination of the auxiliary arm anddisc provides for an initial wind of a considerable amount, and one ormore winds of a substantially lesser amount even though a coin of thesame denomination is inserted for each wind. The structure also providesa similar result where a coin of different denomination is inserted. Inthe embodiment illustrated, the inner slot 20 will receive a penny, andthe segment 84 is located in line with the path of movement of thepenny. This segment will cause the pawl 42 to engage the second tooth114 on the arm 108. This second tooth is displaced 25 with respect tothe tooth 112 so that full rotation will rotate the disc 100 '162 4.Accordingly, the clock will wind through the overtime zone and through Ihour of purchased time (12 The illustrated structure is designed so thatthe user. cannot use a penny to purchase time after a nickel has beenused. Thus, the segment 124 is only positioned over segment 88 and,therefore a penny will have no affect on the winding operation once thepost 116 has been moved beyond a position for engagement by the arm 108.The addition of a penny immediately after the first penny will not leadto the purchase of any additional time since the penny will drop out ofthe coin carrier at the same time that the arm 108 reaches the positionof the post 116.

The addition of a nickel immediately after the insertion of a penny willresult in the purchase of only 2 hours of time since the arm 108 cannotmove the post 116 beyond the dotted line position shown in FIG. 2.Accordingly, the meter design is such that a penny can only bepractically used where the purchaser of time desires only I hour oftime.

The meter also effectively limits the amount of time that can bepurchased when the timing mechanism is only partially run down. Thus,when a user leaves a parking space with less than 3 hours purchased timeremaining on the meter or when the pointer 18 is still in the overtimesection, then the initial insertion of a nickel will only result in adisplay of 3 hours purchased time. Thus, the nickel will cause the pawl42 to engage the arm 108, and it will drive the arm to the position ofthe post 116. Continued rotation will then move the post to the dottedline position in FIG. 2 at which time, the nickel will be released. Itwill be appreciated that if the time remaining exceeds 3 hours, then thepawl 42 will pick up one of the teeth 102, 104, 106 whereby the next 3hour increment of purchased time will show on the indicator.

Where the pointer 18 shows less than I hour of purchased time or wherethe pointer is in the overtime section, then the insertion of a pennywill provide 1 hour of purchased time. Thus, the arm 108, when picked upby a pawl engaged by a penny, can do no more than move the pointer tothe 1 hour position.

In the meter construction illustrated in FIGS. 8-28, an overtime andpurchased time combination is also employed. In this meter, the overtimeportion of the construction is designated by the mark 150 on the dial152 of the meter 154 shown in FIG. 8. The mark 150 covers a 20-minutesection of the dial, and the dial is otherwise marked to permit thepurchase of 2 hours of time. In the example illustrated, one-half francand l franc coins are used for the purchase of time; however, it will beapparent that the meter can be employed with coins of many differentdenominations.

The front wall 156 of the meter is provided with a segment assembly 158on its interior surface as is the typical arrangement with meters of thetype illustrated. As best shown in FIGS. 8 and 17, the segments arelocated on a track 160 which begins adjacent the coin slots 162 and 164.As in the case of the previously described construction, coins insertedin these slots are picked up by a coin carrier, and the edges of thecoins ride on the track 160 when the user of the meter turns the meterhandle. Depending on the coin inserted, a segment portion will beengaged to operate pawl means.

In the embodiment illustrated, the l franc coin is inserted throughopening 162 for engagement with a segment portion 166. A segment portion168 which comprises a continuation of the portion 166 but which israised relative thereto, is also engaged by the one franc coin. A befranc coin will ride on the track 160 until engagement with a segmentportion 170 and then into engagement with the raised segment portion172.

As in the case of the previously described embodiment, the pawlstructure which is moved in response to the presence of coins willengage an auxiliary winding member and a main winding member, thespecific nature of the engagement depending upon the stage of the coininsertion sequence. The pawl which engages the winding members isdesignated by the numeral 174, and it will be appreciated that this pawlstructure will correspond with the structure 42 previously described.

The winding members comprise the structures illustrated in FIGS. 23 and24. The auxiliary winding arm or disc comprises a member 176 whichdefines a central opening 178 whereby this member can be mounted on acentral post 180. The arm 176 is dimensioned so that it can be receivedwithin the main winding disc 182, this latter disc also defining acentral opening 184 for receipt of the disc on the post 180.

As best shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, the arm 176 and disc 182 arepositioned on a winding ring 186. This winding ring is provided withupstanding bosses 188 which are received within openings 190 defined bythe main disc 182. Accordingly any movement of the disc 182 will resultin corresponding movement of the winding ring 186 while the arm 176 ismovable relative to these members. The winding ring defines a square.opening 192, and the winding shaft for a clock mechanism is received inthis opening so that time will be set on the meter whenever the ring 186is rotated.

The arm 176 defines an outwardly extending flange portion 194 which isreceived within a cutout section 196 defined by the disc 182.Accordingly, the relative movement of the arm and disc is restricted bythe extent of the cutout section 196.

On the opposite side of the arm 176, there is provided an upstandingflange 198 defining teeth 200 and 202. The arm 176 is dimensioned sothat these teeth are located radially inwardly relative to the side wall204 of the main disc 182. Teeth 206, 208, 210 and 212 are defined bythis side wall, and as best shown in FIG. 18, these teeth are at a lowerlevel when compared with the teeth 200 and 202.

The leading edge of the arm 176 defines a recessed portion 214 which isprovide for receiving the end of a wire spring 216. As best shown inFIGS. 11 through 15, this spring extends to a post 218 which is attachedto the main disc 182. The spring operates to urge the arm 176 in .acounterclockwise direction. As will be explained, engagement of the arm176 by the pawl means will serve to rotate the arm in a clockwisedirection in opposition to the spring 16. This rotation will move theleading edge of the arm into engagement with a tab 220 formed on themain disc 182.

FIG. 11 illustrates the positions of the arm 176 and disc 182 when thepointer 222 is at the extreme lefthand position of the dial 152. Themeter operation will be described with reference to the insertion ofcoins of one-half franc and l franc value, and for purposes of thisdescription, it wiil be assumed that one-half franc will buy one-halfhour of time on an expired meter with l franc buying 1 hour of time. Asecond one-half franc will purchase an additional one-half hour;however, continued use of k franc coins will purchase time only in 15minute increments. Similarly,- when 1 hour of time has been purchasedwith l franc, the addition of a second franc will result in the purchaseof only an additional one-half hour of time as will be the case upon theinsertion of a third franc. Irrespective of whether /2 franc or I franccoins are used in any combination, the purchase of 2 hours of time willcost a total of 3 francs. The operation also includes movement of thepointer 222 out of the overtime period.

When a A franc coin is inserted and the meter handle rotated, the edgeof the coin moves along the track into engagement with the segmentportion 170. This engagement occurs just prior to the position of thepawl 174 illustrated in FIG. 11. Accordingly, the pawl moves intoengagement with the tooth 200 of auxiliary arm 176 as is illustrated inFIG. 19. As the meter handle rotation continues, the arm 176 moves intoengagement with the tab 220 on the disc 182 (FIG. 21). Continuedmovement then results in movement of the disc 182 to the position shownin FIGS. 12 and 25 at which point the end of segment portion 172 isreached whereby the pawl 174 will move out of engagement with the tooth200, the coin then dropping into the coin collection passage 224.

The main disc 182, being tied to the clock mechanism, will remain in theposition shown in FIG. 12 subject only to return movement as the clockmechanism runs down. The auxiliary arm 176 will move back to the dottedline position shown in FIG. 12 in response to the action of sprin 216.This return movement is limited by the positio of the post 218. The pawl174 will return with the coin carrier to its normal position oppositethe coin slots.

The insertion of a second one-half franc, and the rotation of the handlewill result in the engagement of the tooth 202 on the arm 176 by thepawl 174. Thus, the arm 176 is pos itioned in FIG. 12 so that the tooth202 will be engaged by the pawl as the coin reaches the segment portion170.

When the pawl catches the tooth 202, the arm 176 is driven to the solidline position shown in FIG. 12 at which time the arm will engage the tab220 on main disc 182. Continued rotation will move the arm and disctogether until the coin and pawl reach the end of the segment portion172. This results in movement of the tab 220 to the point shown in FIGS.13 and 26 thus providing an additional wind on the clock mechanism.

The segment portion 172 which is raised relative to the portion 170 isengaged during each insertion of a franc piece. This does not, however,affect the operation described since the raised portion merely operatesto drive the pawl 174 further toward the arm 176. This will drive thepawl deeper into the groove adjacent the teeth 200 or 202, and the pawlwill bottom in the groove in which case the spring loading of the pawlwill provide the necessary relief to permit continued movement of thecoin over the segment portion 172.

When a third one-half franc is inserted, the arm 176 will be in thedotted line position shown in FIG. 13. In this position, the edgeportion 225 on the arm is located beyond the leading end of the segmentportion 170 so that the pawl 174 will engage this edge portion. At thispoint, however, the first tooth 206 on the main disc 182 is positionedbeyond the leading end of the segment portion 172 (FIG. 26). Thisleading end position is also designated by the arrow 226 in FIG. 13.

The pawl 174 will be driven by the segment portion 172 toward the tooth206 when the segment portion is reached. The pawl will then directlydrive the disc 182 until the end of the segment portion resulting inadditional time being purchased (FIG. 27). This driving movement willmove the next tooth 208 on the main disc into the position previouslyoccupied by the tooth 206, and the same sequence will occur when thenext one-half franc is inserted. This will be repeated for the teeth 210and 212 until a total of 6 one-half francs have been inserted (FIG. 28).The action described results in the purchase of two hours of time withone-half hour being purchased by each of the first two and b francpieces, and with minutes being purchased by each of the next 4 9e francpieces.

The purchase of the first one-half hour of time is combined with thewinding of an additional minutes on the clock mechanism to provide anindication of overtime parking. In the embodiment illustrated, the clockmechanism is wound through 12 16 for every 10 minutesof time. Toaccomplish the next amount of movement when the first one-half franc isinserted, the tab 220 on the disc 182 is positioned 62 away from theend-of-wind position. Accordingly, engagement of the auxiliary arm bythe pawl will move the tab and consequently the disc by this amount sothat 50 minutes of winding is accomplished.

Once the tab is moved to the position shown in FIG.

12, the next wind will only be 37 6 to provide for the next one-halfhour of purchased time. At this point, the first tooth 206 on the maindisc has moved to a position 18 away from the end-of-wind position sothat 15 minutes will be purchased by the next one-half franc. The teethon the main disc are all l8 apart whereby additional increments of ISminutes of time are purchased with each succeeding one-half franc.

A closely corresponding operation occurs when l franc pieces areemployed. In that case, the segment portions 166 and 168 are engaged,and these portions are located so that the first franc will engage thesecond tooth 202 on the arm 176. This tooth is angularly offset by 37 Wfrom the tooth 200 so that 30 minutes more will be purchased than is thecase with the A franc piece, specifically minutes in the case of thefirst full franc inserted.

When a second full franc is inserted, the mechanisms will be in theposition shown in FIG. 13. It will be noted that the leading end of theraised segment portion 168 (designated by the arrow 228 in FIG. 13) isjust ahead of the position of the second tooth 208 on the wind disc 182.Accordingly, the raised segment portion will cause the pawl to engagethis second tooth which is disposed 37 75 away from the end-of-windposition. Accordingly, the second franc will result in the purchase of30 minutes of time. When this has been accomplished, the fourth tooth212 on the winding disc is moved to the position previously occupied bythe tooth 208 so that the final one-half hour can be purchased byinserting the third franc.

The meter operation is capable of accomplishing the same purchase rateeven if the insertion of a one-half franc piece is followed by theinsertion of a full franc piece or vice-versa. Thus, when the mechanismsare in the position shown in FIG. 12 after the purchase of one-half hourof time, the insertion of a full franc will cause the pawl 174 to engagethe edge portion 225 of the arm 176. This edge portion is offset 18 fromthe position of the second tooth 202. Accordingly, continued movement ofthe arm will result in a wind of 56 W or 45 minutes of time. This is, ofcourse, the same amount of time that would be purchased if the fullfranc were inserted first and the one-half franc thereafter. In thelatter case, the full franc would move the main winding ring 182 to theposition shown in FIG. 13 while the one-half franc would cause the pawlto engage the tooth 206 to provide an additional 18 VP of wind.

The functions described will vary somewhat whenever a coin is insertedat some time after the clock mechanism has begun to run down. Assumingfor example that one-half hour of time has been purchased, and that 7 25minutes have elapsed, the main winding ring will have moved back through9 36 with a corresponding return movement of the auxiliary arm. If afull franc is now inserted, the edge 225 of the auxiliary arm will stillbe engaged in a wind sufficient to place one hour and 15 minutes of timeon the meter will result. If, on the other hand, the coin is notinserted until after the edge 225 has moved past the leading end of thesegment portion 166, then the pawl will catch the tooth 202 on the arm176 which will result in the purchase of only 1 full hour of time. Themechanism thus does not reduce or increase the time available by anysignificant amount even when coins are inserted at irregular periods.

The structures described are particularly adaptable to meter designswhich prevent the use of slugs, washers, etc. For example, the structuredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,262,554 can be readily incorporated in ameter along with the novel features disclosed herein. In addition, agrasshopper type arrangement is readily used in conjunction with anauxiliary arm since, with this arrangement, a spurious coin (FIG. 3) ofslightly smaller diameter than the coin 132 will not move the pawl 42sufficiently to catch a tooth on the arm 108.

The concepts of the invention are also applicable to a meter arrangementwherein the initial insertion of a coin will purchase a lesser amount oftime with the subsequent insertion of a coin of the same denominationproviding for an increase in the amount of time purchased. This could beaccomplished by an arrangement of the type already described wherein theteeth on the main disc are located ahead of the teeth on the auxiliaryarm instead of behind the teeth on the arm. The initial insertion ofacoin would provide for engagement of the main disc teeth with theresulting wind moving the auxiliary arm in the manner described. Thenext or some subsequent coin would result in picking up of the auxiliaryarm by the pawl whereby an increased amount of time could be obtained.

FIGS. 29 through 34 illustrate a further utilization of the concepts ofthe invention wherein a lesser amount of time is obtained during aninitial wind. In this arrangement, an auxiliary arm 250 is associatedwith a main disc 252. The arm 250 defines a plurality of teeth havingengaging edges 254, 256, 258 and 260. Additional engaging edges 262,264, 266, and 268 are defined by the main disc 252.

As shown in FIG. 30, the main disc defines a first cutout sectionextending between the edge portions 270 and 272. The flange 274 definedby the arm 250 extends within this cut-out portion with the'edge 276 ofthe flange being normally held in engagement with the edge 270 of themain disc. A spring corresponding with the spring 216 employed inv thepreviously described construction is utilized for maintaining theauxiliary arm in this position.

FIG. 31 illustrates the rear surface of the front wall 278 of a meter.This front wall defines slots 280, 282 and 284 for receiving,respectively, nickels, dimes and quarters. These coins are adapted tomove into engagement with the segments 286, 288 and 290 in accordancewith the practice previously described.

The segment 286 is positioned so that the tooth 254 will be engaged bythe pawl 292 (FIG. 34) when the meter is at zero time and a nickel isinserted. This engagement will drive the auxiliary arm through a portionof lost motion until the'edge 294 of the flange 274 engages the edge 272of the main disc 252. In the view of FIG. 34, the pawl has moved throughthe lost motion portion, and the time setting of the operation is justbeginning. In a typical embodiment, the lost motion would extend for 36of movement 'of the auxiliary arm with the time setting extending for18.

When a second nickel is inserted, the second tooth 256 will be engagedby the pawl, this second tooth, in the typical example referred to,being displaced by 18. The function of the mechanisms is otherwiseidentical with one increment of time being provided by this nickel andfor two subsequent nickels if they are inserted.

When a dime is initially inserted instead of a nickel, the second tooth256 will be engaged. There will also be two increments (36) of lostmotion; however, the winding will amount to two increments so that twiceas much time will be obtained when compared with the nickel. Similarly,a second dime will result in engagement with the tooth 260 with themechanisms then functioning in the same manner.

After four increments of purchased time have been accomplished, the maindisc 262 is moved sufficiently so that the insertion of an additionalnickel or dime will result in engagement of a tooth 262 or 264. In thisinstance, there will be no lost motion so that three increments of windwill develop in the case of a nickel and four increments in the case ofa dime.

The meter is designed so that the initial use of a quar ter will resultin the engagement of the tooth 262' whereby the lost motion is againeliminated. Obviously, the illustrated arrangement can be variedconsiderably in terms of the amount of lost motion and position of theteeth to achieve different ratios of time purchased for differentsequences of operation.

It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be madein the above described construction which provide the characteristics ofthis invention without departing from the spirit thereof particularly asdefined in the following claims.

That which is claimed is:

1. In a meter construction wherein purchased time is obtained throughengagement of pawl means with winding means attached to a timingmechanism and including a movable coin carrier associated with the pawlmeans, the improvement wherein said winding means comprises a firstrotatable member tied to means for operating the timing mechanism, aauxiliary winding arm mounted for movement relative to said rotatablemember, teeth defined by said rotatable member and by said arm forengagement by said pawl, means cooperating with a coin initiallyinserted in the coin carrier operating to move said pawl into positionfor engaging a tooth on said arm whereby movement of the coin carrieroperates to move said arm, abutment means defined by said rotatablemember for engagement by said arm whereby movement of the arm transmitsmovement to the rotatable member, such movement of the rotatable membershifting the position of the teeth on the rotatable member, andincluding additional coin cooperating means for moving said pawl intoposition for engagement with the teeth on said rotatable member uponsubsequent insertion of another coin.

2. A construction in accordance with claim I including a plurality ofteeth on said arm, and separate means for cooperating with differentcoins in the coin carrier whereby the engagement of different teeth onthe arm will lead to the purchase of different amounts of time.

3. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein the meanscooperating with a coin initially inserted comprise segments located inthe path of movement of a coin held by the coin carrier, said segmentsoperating to drive said coin against the pawl means to thereby locatethe pawl means in position for engaging the teeth on said arm.

4. A construction in accordance with claim 3 wherein said additionalmeans cooperating with the coin in the coin carrier comprise anadditional segment mounted on said first mentioned segment. a

5. A construction in accordance with claim 3 wherein each of the meanscooperating with coins in the coin carrier comprise additional segmentsmounted on said first mentioned segments.

6. A construction in accordance with claim 1 including a bearing surfacepositioned opposite the coin carrier, coins inserted in said coincarrier bearing against said surface during movement of the coin carrierand wherein the means cooperating with a coin initially insertedcomprise segments located in the path of movement of a coin held by thecoin carrier, said segments rising above said surface and therebyoperating to drive said coin against the pawl means to thereby locatethe pawl means in position for engaging the teeth on said arm, andwherein said coin carrier defines a plurality of openings for receivingcoins of different denominations, and including a plurality of segmentssituated in side-by-side relationship on said surface, each segmentbeing positioned in the path of movement of a coin of a particulardenomination.

7. A construction in accordance with claim 6 wherein the leading edgesof the respective segments are spaced apart on said surface whereby saidpawl means is moved into coin engaging position with different teethwhereby coins of different denominations result in different degrees ofwinding of the winding means.

8. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said rotatablemember comprises a disc having teeth defined on its periphery, saidauxiliary arm being mounted co-axially with said disc, the teeth on saidauxiliary arm being located on the periphery of the arm and being spacedradially inwardly relative to the teeth on said disc.

9. A construction in accordance with claim 8 wherein said abutment meanscomprise a post mounted on said disc, the leading edge of said auxiliaryarm being adapted to drive against said post for rotation of said discin response to the movement of said auxiliary arm.

10. A construction in accordance with claim 9 wherein the meter is setto provide a maximum amount of purchased time upon insertion of a coinof a particular denomination, the teeth on said disc being located outof position for engagement by said pawl means whenever the meterdisplays less than said maximum amount of time whereby engagement of thepawl means with said auxiliary arm provides the only means for operatingthe timing mechanism, the operation of the timing mechanism by theauxiliary arm serving to move the teeth on said disc into position forengagement by the pawl means when said auxiliary arm drives the disc asufficient distance to achieve at least the purchase of said maximumtime on the meter.

11. A construction in accordance with claim 10 including means forresetting the position of said auxiliary arm at the conclusion of theoperation of the timing mechanism.

12. A construction in accordance with claim 11 wherein said auxiliaryarm is spring loaded, and second abutment means defined being endmovable with said disc whereby said auxiliary arm is reset to adifferent position depending on the degree of wind during the operationof the timing mechanism.

13. A construction in accordance with claim 8 wherein the teeth on saiddisc are located at a lower level relative to the teeth on saidauxiliary arm, the means cooperating with coins in the coin carriercomprising segments located in the path of movement of a coin held bythe coin carrier and operating to drive the coin against pawl means tolocate the pawl means in position for engaging said teeth, andadditional segments formed on the first mentioned segments at an outerlevel relative thereto, said additional segments operating to drive saidpawl means a sufficient additional distance toward said teeth to providefor engagement of the pawl means wit the teeth of said disc.

14. A construction in accordance with claim 1 including a plurality ofteeth on said arm, said means cooperating with a coin operating to movesaid pawl into engagement with different teeth on the arm when aplurality of coins are inserted.

15. In a meter construction wherein purchased time is obtained throughengagement of a pawl with winding means attached to a timing mechanismand including a movable coin carrier associated with the pawl, theimprovement wherein said winding means comprises a first rotatablemember tied to means for operating the timing mechanism, an auxiliarywinding arm mounted for movement relative to said rotatable member, atleast one tooth defined by said rotatable member and at least one toothdefined by said arm for engagement by said pawl, means cooperating witha coin inserted in the coin carrier operating to move said pawl intoposition for engaging said tooth on said arm whereby movement of thecoin carrier operates to move said arm, and abutment means defined bysaid rotatable member for engagement by said arm whereby movement of thearm transmits movement to the rotatable member, and operates said timingmechanism.

16. A construction in accordance with claim 15 wherein said rotatablemember comprises a disc having a plurality of teeth defined on itsperiphery, said auxiliary arm being mounted co-axially with said disc,said auxiliary arm also having a plurality of teeth located on theperiphery of the arm and located approximately the same radial distancefrom the axes of said member and arm as the teeth on said member, andmeans normally holding said arm in position relative to said memberwhereby all of the teeth on said arm are circumferentially displacedrelative to the teeth on said member.

17. A construction in accordance with claim 16 wherein at least theinitial coin inserted in said meter engages one of the teeth on saidarm, the movement of the rotatable member effected through engagementwith said arm resulting in repositioning of the teeth on said rotatablemember whereby teeth on the rotatable member will be engaged uponsubsequent insertion of a coin.

18. A construction in accordance with claim 17 wherein the engagingportion of said arm is normally held in spaced relationship with saidabutment means whereby a lost motion portion of movement of said arm isrequired before engagement of the abutment means, the re-positioning ofthe teeth of said rotatable member resulting in direct engagement of theteeth on said rotatable member by said pawl whereby said lost motionportion of movement does not occur.

1. In a meter construction wherein purchased time is obtained throughengagement of pawl means with winding means attached to a timingmechanism and including a movable coin carrier associated with the pawlmeans, the improvement wherein said winding means comprises a firstrotatable member tied to means for operating the timing mechanism, aauxiliary winding arm mounted for movement relative to said rotatablemember, teeth defined by said rotatable member and by said arm forengagement by said pawl, means cooperating with a coin initiallyinserted in the coin carrier operating to move said pawl into positionfor engaging a tooth on said arm whereby movement of the coin carrieroperates to move said arm, abutment means defined by said rotatablemember for engagement by said arm whereby movement of the arm transmitsmovement to the rotatable member, such movement of the rotatable membershifting the position of the teeth on the rotatable member, andincluding additional coin cooperating means for moving said pawl intoposition for engagement with the teeth on said rotatable member uponsubsequent insertion of another coin.
 2. A construction in accordancewith claim 1 including a plurality of teeth on said arm, and separatemeans for cooperating with different coins in the coin carrier wherebythe engagement of different teeth on the arm will lead to the purchaseof different amounts of time.
 3. A construction in accordance with claim1 wherein the means cooperating with a coin initially inserted comprisesegments located in the path of movement of a coin held by the coincarrier, said segments operating to drive said coin against the pawlmeans to thereby locate the pawl means in position for engaging theteeth on said arm.
 4. A construction in accordance with claim 3 whereinsaid additional means cooperating with the coin in the coin carriercomprise an additional segment mounted on said first mentioned segment.5. A construction in accordance with claim 3 wherein each of the meanscooperating with coins in the coin carrier comprise additional segmentsmounted on said first mentioned segments.
 6. A construction inaccordance with claim 1 including a bearing surface positioned oppositethe coin carrier, coins inserted in said coin carrier bearing againstsaid surface during movement of the coin carrier and wherein the meanscooperating with a coin initially inserted comprise segments located inthe path of movement of a coin held by the coin carrier, said segmentsrising above said surface and thereby operating to drive said coinagainst the pawl means to thereby locate the pawl means in position forengaging the teeth on said arm, and wherein said coin carrier defines aplurality of openings for receiving coins of different denominations,and including a plurality of segments situated in side-by-siderelationship on said surface, each segment being positioned in the pathof movement of a coin of a particular denomination.
 7. A construction inaccordance with claim 6 wherein the leading edges of the respectivesegments are spaced apart on said surface whereby said pawl means ismoved into coin engaging position with different teeth whereby coins ofdifferent denominations result in different degrees of winding of thewinding means.
 8. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein saidrotatable member comprises a disc having teeth defined on its periphery,said auxiliary arm being mounted co-axially with said disc, the teeth onsaid auxiliary arm being located on the periphery of the arm and beingspaced radially inwardly relative to the teeth on said disc.
 9. Aconstruction in accordance with claim 8 wherein said abutment meanscomprise a post mounted on said disc, the leading edge of said auxiliaryarm being adapted to drive against said post for rotation of said discin response to the movement of said auxiliary arm.
 10. A construction inaccordance with claim 9 wherein the meter is set to provide a maximumamount of purchased time upon insertion of a coin of a particulardenomination, the teeth on said disc being located out of position forengagement by said pawl means whenever the meter displays less than saidmaximum amount of time whereby engagement of the pawl means with saidauxiliary arm provides the only means for operating the timingmechanism, the operation of the timing mechanism by the auxiliary armserving to move the teeth on said disc into position for engagement bythe pawl means when said auxiliary arm drives the disc a sufficientdistance to achieve at least the purchase of said maximum time on themeter.
 11. A construction in accordance with claim 10 including meansfor resetting the position of said auxiliary arm at the conclusion ofthe operation of the timing mechanism.
 12. A construction in accordancewith claim 11 wherein said auxiliary arm is spring loaded, and secondabutment means defined being end movable with said disc whereby saidauxiliary arm is reset to a different position depending on the degreeof wind during the operation of the timing mechanism.
 13. A constructionin accordance with claim 8 wherein the teeth on said disc are located ata lower level relative to the teeth on said auxiliary arm, the meanscooperating with coins in the coin carrier comprising segments locatedin the path of movement of a coin held by the coin carrier and operatingto drive the coin against pawl means to locate the pawl means inposition for engaging said teeth, and additional segments formed on thefirst mentioned segments at an outer level relative thereto, saidadditional segments operating to drive said pawl means a sufficientadditional distance toward said teeth to provide for engagement of thepawl means wit the teeth of said disc.
 14. A construction in accordancewith claim 1 including a plurality of teeth on said arm, said meanscooperating with a coin operating to move said pawl into engagement withdifferent teeth on the arm when a plurality of coins are inserted. 15.In a meter construction wherein purchased time is obtained throughengagement of a pawl with winding means attached to a timing mechanismand including a movable coin carrier associated with the pawl, theimprovement wherein said winding means comprises a first rotatablemember tied to means for operating the timing mechanism, an auxiliarywinding arm mounted for movement relative to said rotatable member, atleast one tooth defined by said rotatable member and at least one toothdefined by said arm for engagement by said pawl, means cooperating witha coin inserted in the coin carrier operating to move said pawl intoposition for engaging said tooth on said arm whereby movement of thecoin carrier operates to move said arm, and abutment means defined bysaid rotatable member for engagement by said arm whereby movement of thearm transmits movement to the rotatable member, and operates said timingmechanism.
 16. A construction in accordance with claim 15 wherein saidrotatable member comprises a disc having a plurality of teeth defined onits periphery, said auxiliary arm being mounted co-axially with saiddisc, said auxiliary arm also having a plurality of teeth located on theperiphery of the arm and located approximately the same radial distancefrom the axes of said member and arm as the teeth on said member, andmeans normally holding said arm in position relative to said memberwhereby all of the teeth on said arm are circumferentially displacedrelative to the teeth on said member.
 17. A construction in accordancewith claim 16 wherein at least the initial coin inserted in said meterengages one of the teeth on said arm, the movement of the rotatablemember effected through engagement with said arm resulting inrepositioning of the teeth on said rotatable member whereby teeth on therotatable meMber will be engaged upon subsequent insertion of a coin.18. A construction in accordance with claim 17 wherein the engagingportion of said arm is normally held in spaced relationship with saidabutment means whereby a lost motion portion of movement of said arm isrequired before engagement of the abutment means, the re-positioning ofthe teeth of said rotatable member resulting in direct engagement of theteeth on said rotatable member by said pawl whereby said lost motionportion of movement does not occur.